Black Spitting Cobra
Naja woodi
A uniformly glossy black spitting cobra found in the arid western regions of southern Africa, once considered a color form of the zebra spitting cobra.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia)
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Overview
The black spitting cobra, sometimes called Wood's cobra, inhabits the arid western parts of southern Africa, including parts of the Northern Cape of South Africa and Namibia. It was historically treated as a black color morph of the zebra spitting cobra before being recognized as a distinct species.
It is a venomous elapid capable of spitting venom in defense and is regarded as potentially dangerous to humans, though its remote, sparsely populated range limits the frequency of encounters.
How to identify it
- Adults typically 1.2-1.8 m; robust cobra with a glossy, uniformly black or very dark brown dorsum.
- Underside often paler, sometimes with a dark throat patch.
- Smooth scales, round pupils, and a moderately broad hood when displayed.
- Distinguished from other dark cobras by range (arid southwestern Africa) and lack of banding seen in the closely related zebra spitting cobra.
Habitat & range
Occurs in arid and semi-arid rocky terrain, desert margins, and scrubland of the Northern Cape of South Africa and Namibia, often near rocky outcrops or dry riverbeds that provide shelter and prey.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. Defends itself by rearing, spreading its hood, and spitting venom toward the eyes of a threat. Preys on rodents, other reptiles, and amphibians. It is oviparous, laying clutches of eggs typical of the genus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black spitting cobra venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous elapid capable of both biting and defensive venom-spitting.
Is it the same as the zebra spitting cobra?
It was once considered a black color form of the zebra spitting cobra but is now recognized as a separate species, Naja woodi.
Where is it found?
In arid parts of southwestern Africa, particularly the Northern Cape of South Africa and Namibia.
How large does it get?
Adults commonly reach 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft).
Black Spitting Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black Spitting Cobra.
